Abstract: A dry powder inhalation device has a means to aerosolize powdered medicament and introduce the aerosolized medicament to an airflow directed to a user outlet. The device has a primary deagglomeration structure in the form of a baffle through which the airflow passes downstream of the means to aerosolize the powdered medicament and a secondary deagglomeration structure which is a tortuous passage through which the airflow passes downstream of the primary deagglomeration structure. The deagglomeration structures cause disruption to the airflow in their vicinity whereby the particles of the aerosolized powdered medicament are deagglomerated due to the primary deagglomeration structure and the secondary deagglomeration structure. The insert defines a tortuous passage which has a trajectory with a centre line, whereby the centre line has two or more major bends, involving a first point of inflection between a pair of adjacent bends of the two or more major bends.

Abstract: Methods of screening for anti-pseudomonal compositions are disclosed that utilize a genetically engineered P. aeruginosa strain that is recA deficient and comprises a transcriptional reporter joined to at least a portion of a promoter for at least one gene of a pyocin gene cluster. The methods identify agents that stimulate pyocin expression in a RecA-independent manner. Also disclosed are agents identified by said methods, along with methods of producing and using same.

Abstract: Disclosed is a medicament dispenser for holding at least one elongate form medicament carrier. The elongate form medicament carrier has proximal and distal ends, and blister and lid elongate sheets enclosing multiple distinct medicament dose portions therebetween. The medicament dispenser has a dispensing mechanism which is adapted to operate, upon each actuation thereof, to dispense medicament active from the medicament dose portion. Moreover, the mechanism has at least one power spring mechanism for winding the lid elongate sheet, wherein the at least one power spring mechanism has at least one spring having an inner end about which the spring unwinds, and at least one shaft at which the inner end of at least one spring is secured. Furthermore, the power spring mechanism tensions and peels a segment of lid elongate sheet peeled from a corresponding segment of blister elongate sheet upon each actuation of the medicament dispenser.

Abstract: In general terms the present invention proposes a medicament dispenser 100 for use with at least one medicament carrier carrying multiple distinct medicament dose portions. The medicament dispenser 100 comprises: (a) a dispensing mechanism actuable for dispensing the dose portions carried by the at least one medicament carrier; (b) a mouthpiece 106; and (c) a cover for the mouthpiece, the cover being movably mounted to the dispenser 100 for sequential movement from a closed position in which the mouthpiece 106 is at least partially covered, to an open position in which the mouthpiece 106 is uncovered, via a first position, and optionally via a second position between the first position and the closed position that includes the closed position.

Abstract: In general terms the present invention proposes a nozzle holder for securing a nozzle in an inhalation device, for example such as a soft mist inhaler (SMI), the nozzle holder being obtained or obtainable by metal injection moulding (MIM). Also disclosed is an inhalation device comprising the nozzle holder.

Abstract: In general terms the present invention proposes a nozzle arrangement 100 for delivering a liquid from a liquid delivery device. The nozzle arrangement 100 comprises a nozzle 102 having an inlet side 104 for receiving a liquid to be delivered and an outlet side 106 for delivering the liquid. The nozzle arrangement 100 also comprises a fixing device 120 for fixing the nozzle 102 in the delivery device and a recess 130 located at the outlet side 106 of the nozzle 102. The recess is 130 arranged to wick away liquid deposited on the nozzle 102 and/or fixing device 120.

Abstract: In general terms the present invention proposes a nozzle fixing assembly 100 for an inhalation device 10. The nozzle fixing assembly 100 comprises a nozzle 110 enclosed between a nozzle holder 122 and a chamber body 150. The nozzle holder 122 provides a holder abutment surface 129 which abuts at least a portion of an abutment surface 152 of the chamber body 150 to define an abutting interface 170. A nozzle seal 180 is arranged annularly around at least a portion of the nozzle 110 and extends between the nozzle 110 and the nozzle holder 122 and between the nozzle 110 and the chamber body 150 such that the nozzle seal 180 makes sealing contact with the nozzle holder 122 and chamber body 150 and provides a perimetral line of sealing at the abutting interface 170.

Abstract: In general terms the present invention proposes a manifold 100 for delivery of medicament powder from a dispenser device. The manifold 100 comprises a first chamber 102 comprising a first chamber inlet 102A and a first chamber outlet 102B. The first chamber 102 is arranged to direct a first flow of air 110 from the first chamber inlet 102A to the first chamber outlet 102B. The manifold 100 also comprises a conduit 104 having a conduit inlet 104A and a conduit outlet 104B. The first chamber outlet 102B and conduit inlet 104A are arranged such that when a supply of medicament powder is positioned proximal thereto the first flow of air 110 is directed from the first chamber outlet 102B to the conduit inlet 104A via the supply of medicament powder to entrain the medicament powder and provide a flow of air entrained with medicament powder through the conduit 104.

Abstract: Disclosed is an elongate form medicament carrier and a medicament dispenser. The medicament carrier has a first end, a second end, and a central portion, and carrying multiple distinct medicament dose portions, the medicament dose portions consisting of a first set and a second set of medicament dose portions, the first set of medicament dose portions distributed in a first portion of the elongate form medicament carrier between the first end and the central portion of the elongate form medicament carrier and containing a medicament active, or a mixture of medicament actives, and the second set of medicament dose portions distributed in a second portion of the elongate form medicament carrier between the second end and the central portion of the elongate form medicament carrier and containing a medicament active, or a mixture of medicament actives, wherein the dose portions in the second set of medicament dose portions are different from the dose portions in the first set of medicament dose portions.

Abstract: Disclosed is a portable inhaler, having a rotary actuation mechanism, and comprising a follower component (104), a rotary loading device (106) and a button (112). The rotary loading device comprises a cam component (108) engaged with a cage component (110), to allow a predetermined limited rotational relative movement therebetween. The button is translatable between a central position and an extended position, and can be engaged by the cam component upon rotary movement of the rotary actuation mechanism to its primed position to translate the button to its extended position, and the button can engage the cam component to effect rotary movement of the rotary actuation mechanism to its actuated position as the button translates to its central position thereby releasing the follower component.

Abstract: Disclosed is a ratchet mechanism having ratchet ring and a chassis. The ratchet ring is rotatable about an axis relative to the chassis, with a general direction of rotation determined by teeth of the ratchet mechanism. The ratchet ring has a first set of teeth arranged regularly around the ratchet ring and protruding in a first axial direction from the ratchet ring and a second set of teeth arranged regularly around the ratchet ring and protruding in a second opposite axial direction from the ratchet ring. The chassis has a third set of teeth arranged regularly and protruding in the second axial direction and generally opposed to the first set of teeth, and a fourth set of teeth arranged regularly and protruding in the first axial direction and generally opposed to the second set of teeth.

Abstract: A warning system for use with an inhaler includes an operating mechanism that is configured to be actuated to a reset state, a primed state, and a fired state. The inhaler dispenses a metered dose of a medicament upon actuation of the operating mechanism from the primed state to the fired state. The warning system includes a control circuit that is activated upon actuation of the operating mechanism from the primed state to the fired state. The warning system also includes an alert device communicably coupled to the control circuit and configured to generate a warning. Further, the control circuit is configured to control the alert device to generate the warning until the operating mechanism has been actuated from the fired state to the reset state.

Abstract: Disclosed is a micropump for delivery of a fluid. The micropump comprises body comprising metering chamber for receiving fluid and groove, and nozzle attached to metering chamber for delivering fluid. A capillary delivers fluid into metering chamber, and piston operates to move axially inside metering chamber. Axial movement of first end of piston (namely, piston face) along path between second end and first end of metering chamber delivers fluid through nozzle. Moreover, groove radially surrounds piston and has common axis with piston. The groove comprises sealing ring operable to move inside groove based on axial movement of piston. The sealing ring is in contact with piston and body. The sealing ring is manufactured using a rubber composition comprising hydrogenated nitrile butadiene rubber (HNBR), and carbon black.

Abstract: An antenna system is provided that includes at least one driven radiator element and at least one coupling device. The at least one driven radiator element is disposed above a printed circuit board. The at least one coupling device has a step feature in at least one of width and diameter. A smaller of the at least one of the width and diameter is received in at least one of a via and slot in the printed circuit board. The at least one coupling device is oriented nominally orthogonal to a plane of the printed circuit board. The at least one solder joint couples the at least one coupling device to the printed circuit board. At least one ground plane layer is electrically connected to the at least one coupling device by at least one of the solder joint and the at least one of a via and a slot.

Abstract: An antenna system is provided that includes at least one driven radiator element and at least one coupling device. The at least one driven radiator element is disposed above a printed circuit board. The at least one coupling device has a step feature in at least one of width and diameter. A smaller of the at least one of the width and diameter is received in at least one of a via and slot in the printed circuit board. The at least one coupling device is oriented nominally orthogonal to a plane of the printed circuit board. The at least one solder joint couples the at least one coupling device to the printed circuit board. At least one ground plane layer is electrically connected to the at least one coupling device by at least one of the solder joint and the at least one of a via and a slot.

Abstract: The present invention provides a high-performance and lightweight helical antenna element and array thereof for use in an aircraft communication system or the like, where stringent spatial restrictions and gain requirements generally apply. The RF performance of the array is enhanced by using ribs and sleeves to reduce the dielectric volume of the support structures of the antenna elements, and by providing apertures within the sleeves of the support structures and between the ribs thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides a high-performance and lightweight helical antenna element and array thereof for use in an aircraft communication system or the like, where stringent spatial restrictions and gain requirements generally apply. The RF performance of the array is enhanced by using ribs and sleeves to reduce the dielectric volume of the support structures of the antenna elements, and by providing apertures within the sleeves of the support structures and between the ribs thereof.

Abstract: A method and system for managing metal resources in the physical design of integrated circuits is presented. Percent metal usage is allocated for intra-block routing use by each functional block. Power and clock grids are established. Block designers coordinate the locations of signal ports of the blocks so as to avoid blocking any inter-block signals, areas of metal are then reserved for ports and intra-block signals. The inter-block signals are then pre-routed, avoiding the power grid, clock grid, and reserved intra-block routing metal. If any problem nets emerge from the pre-routing, better port locations and sub-block placement within the respective blocks are determined and the process is repeated.

Abstract: A surge protector for an electrical line is disclosed. The surge protector includes a pair of conductive pins respectively connectable to electrical lines. A first pin is soldered to a lead from a gas tube surge arrester. The lead is further fixed adjacent to the first pin and then attached to the second pin. A ground bracket having an opening is positioned between and connected with the other side of the surge arrester. As an electrical surge travels through the lines, the gas tube surge arrester begins to spark over, shunting overload conditions to the ground bracket. As the temperature begins to build, the solder flows, causing an open condition in which the surge arrester disconnects from the first pin, thereby eliminating the destructive effects of a prolonged electrical surge on the lines.